Although the Agile model was developed with software design in mind, two of its principles have been widely adopted by businesses in all sectors:
- Valuing individuals and interactions over processes.
- Responding to change over following a plan.
These are appealing, people-centered principles, but there’s a danger in applying them. In operating in this way, projects can easily, incrementally drift from the original goal, resulting in lost time, cost and motivation.
Support, without dominating or getting in the way of progress
Dr Edward de Bono’s tools for thinking and creativity can help with an Agile approach, by providing a process to support, without dominating or getting in the way of progress.
Two of the Six Thinking Hats®, in particular, have a role to play:
White Hat
The White Hat seeks data and information. It asks:
- Is this data reliable? Can we use it with confidence?
- Is this really information or is it hearsay and assumption?
- Do we have any gaps in our knowledge? How do we fill these gaps with robust, relevant information?
By having a strong base of knowledge, shared across the team, there is less chance of progress being slowed or derailed by poor data. If everyone has the same data, then there is less space for disagreement or misunderstanding as things progress.
Green Hat
Green Hat Thinking is an arena for no-holds-barred creativity, without judgement or constraint. This is critical when a responsive approach to change is called for. The ability to come up with new ideas on-demand can make all the difference to an Agile team, ensuring that they continue to move quickly and effectively towards their goal.
Learning about the Six Thinking Hats®
Indigo is an official distributor for Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats®. It helps you explore, develop and implement ideas – unlocking the creative thinking power and agility of your team. It’s also a great meeting management tool.
It provides a memorable and practical way to save time when thinking, problem-solving and evaluating ideas. It improves behaviour without attacking it – reducing conflict, encouraging cooperation and empowering both individuals and teams to open up new possibilities and opportunities. It’s simple to learn, quick to implement and accelerates productivity.
Face-to-face and online workshops:
- Public workshops – online VILT (virtual instructor-led training) and face-to-face classroom. More…
- In-house workshops – for groups and teams delivered online VILT (virtual instructor-led training) and face-to-face classroom at a time and place to suit you. More…
- For organisations – training for trainer. More…
About Stephanie Butland
Stephanie Butland specialises in creativity, thinking skills, team development and communication.
Having worked with Indigo since 2004, Stephanie is a Master Trainer in Dr de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats®, Lateral Thinking and Focus On Facilitation™ techniques. She also delivers workshops in Think on Your Feet®, Writing Dynamics™ and The Skilled Presenter™ and is a Belbin accredited and CIPD qualified trainer.
